Say Yes to Education

A new report released Wednesday by the State Comptroller shows that Central New York’s post-recession economy remains in a state of transition when factoring in unemployment, poverty and large employers moving out. However, there are bright spots including a workforce of young adults who attended college locally, a technically experienced workforce, and a lower cost of living. Tom DiNapoli has been focused on auditing economic development programs such as Start-Up New York and others which aims to lure new companies and create new jobs. He says there’s room for improvement.

High school students at five Syracuse City Schools declared today what colleges they’ll be headed off to in the fall. At Nottingham High School, students approached a table and signed a sheet of paper indicating their choice. Counselor Tracey Daige says the school tries to ensure that every student has an opportunity prior to graduation to get enrolled into at least one college course.

Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney delivered perhaps her most passionate state of the county address to date last night, outlining her administration’s accomplishments while also addressing the community’s significant challenges. Perhaps the biggest surprise came when she announced Syracuse’s Say Yes college tuition fund would be permanently endowed.

Seniors from Corcoran High School we’re out enjoying the nice day with a picnic just for them Monday at Santaro Park on Onondaga Hill. They signed a board indicating where they’ll enjoy a tuition-free education through the Say Yes to Education program. It’s a perk that’s provided to all graduating students in good academic standing in the Syracuse City School District. Jakubek Wicks decided he wanted to pursue his love of music in his hometown.

Students, parents, teachers and administrators gathered at Edward Smith School to celebrate one of the successes of Say Yes to Education. The Young Authors program held a book signing Thursday for the students that participated this year.

Listen

Listening...

/

3:09

Listen to Young Authors: Isabel Chaperone, Calista Williams, Cammi Nash and Jordan Collie read their work that was part of the published books.

Until now, the focus of the Syracuse mayoral race has been on the political posturing of Democrats and Republicans.

That changed Wednesday when Green Party candidate Kevin Bott launched his campaign for mayor with promises to bring collaborative, democratic leadership to city hall. In his remarks on the steps of city hall, Bott seemed to be making a not-so-subtle jab at incumbent Mayor Miner and democratic challenger Pat Hogan, who took second place in the primary.